Ernest Obiena

Interesting Statistics Ernest John Obiena

Article by Andrew Pirie, ATFS Statistician
Here are some interesting Statistics on Filipino SEA Games Silver Medalist Ernest John Obiena.

For Biography Read Here

Records Broken

• EJ has broken the Philippine National Junior Record 18 times from 2012-2014
• He has broken the National Record 9 times from 2014-2015
• He broke the National Indoor twice
• He broke the National Indoor Junior twice
• Currently, EJ has all four Male National Records for the Philippines Mens and Boys outdoor and indoor
• He co-holds the SEA Record (not SEA meet Record) at 5.30m with Pooranot of Thailand
• He set the NJR eleven times from 2011 to 2014
• Still, holds the UAAP Record at 4.50m
• He has the Fil-Chinese Senior and Junior Records

Career Progression Pole Vault and Highlights 2011-2015

*Since this was published E.J has increased the Philippines record to 5.61m

Obiena Breaks National and South East Asian Record in Pole Vault

Aug 2, 2017

After a yo-yo up and down season. While Funds, then winning Bronze Asian Champs, then broken poles. And now another up breaking records. Despite all this Ernest Obiena leaped 5.61m to break his own SEA Record and Philippine Record of 5.55m set last year at the Singapore Open. Hence up and past the 5.60m barrier/threshold ceiling.

So Obiena leaped 5.61m at Stabhochsprung Classics in Leverkusen, Germany on 27 July 2017 Obiena and came in 4th.

Also, the leap extended his lead over his nearest rival Thai Patasphong Amsam-Ang (5.40m 4th Asian champ). Who he will be facing in Kuala Lumpur in a few weeks at the SEA Games. Especially relevant was at the Singapore SEA Games in 2015 EJ was second in 5.25m behind Pooltong Pooranot of Thailand. Both Patasphong and Pooranot will represent Thailand in 2017 SEA Games. EJ is one of the strong gold medal candidates at the SEA Games 2017.

EJ a UST student, who is training in Italy with coach Vitaliy Petrev the former coach of pole vault great Sergei Bubka. PATAFA president Philip Juico raised money to buy the poles which cost around P225,000 for Obiena.

Ernest Obiena leaps Season Best in Pole Vault to win international meet

Jun 22, 2017

21-year-old Ernest Obiena of the Philippines leaped a seasons best of 5.50m to bag first place in the international meet in Velenje, Slovenia. Hence on June 20, he improved on his seasons best and South East Asian lead. While Obiena previous best was 5.43m indoors earlier in the year and 5.40m outdoors more recently.His national record is 5.55m set April 2016 at the Singapore Open.

While on the same day, Wade Van Niekirk clocked 9.94 PB to win the 100m.

Obiena who was silver medalist in Singapore 2015 behind Poorant Pooltong of Thailand. In 2017 Ernest leads the SEA Rankings.

Malaysian SEA Games Champion and SEA Record Holder Irfan Shamsuddin of Malaysia was fifth in the Men’s Discus. Hence about 2 meters away from his SEA Record.

While Obiena and Eric Cray are sure gold medalists for the Philippines. Due to how far ahead they are from everyone else in South East Asia in their events.

As a result Obiena and Cray were named in Philippines 40 team squad for SEA Games 2017

Other overseas-based athletes to make the squad include Kayla Richardson, Kyla Richardson, Zion Corrales-Nelson, Trenten Beram, Tyler Ruiz and Mary Joy Tabal.

SKUPNO - Palica, člani
Uvr. Št. AZS Priimek in ime Klub Letnik Rezultat
1 89 0 Obiena Ernest Jhon PHL 1995 5.50
1 151 3341 Renner Robert SLO 1994 5.50
3 91 0 Miranda Ruben POR 1993 5.00
4 76 0 Mandusic Max ITA 1998 4.80
4 161 16034 Tičar Ambrož SLO 1996 4.80
6 112 17331 Doberšek Rok SLO 1999 4.60
7 106 16788 Babič Denis SLO 2000 4.40
90 0 Lisek Piotr POL 1992 NM
74 0 Boni Marco ITA 1984 NM
75 0 Lama Francesco ITA 1997 DNS
226 0 Petričević Josip CRO 1992 DNS

Credit to Davian Clarke (Eric Cray’s coach) for informing me of the Results

Full Resuls

SEA Rankings 2017

2017 UAAP Highlights: Obiena defends UAAP Title in Pole Vault

Feb 11, 2017

Frequent travel to and from Europe has become routine for Ernest Obiena. While he recently set a South East Asian Indoor record in Germany (5.43m) only three days earlier.

Also he was not able this year to break his 5.46m UAAP Record. But easily defended his title. SEA Games Decathlon Bronze medalist Janry Ubas of FEU 4.50m and former Palaro Champion David Managuelod of UP 4.40m took silver and bronze.

Hence he attempted and failed his to clear 5.47m which would have beaten his UAAP Record.

Obiena is the SEA Games Silver medalist in the Pole Vault in the 2015 Singapore edition. In 2017 in Malaysia he will be aiming to go one step further and win the first Gold medal since Fil-Heritage athlete Edward Lasquette in 1995.

FULL UAAP RESULTS HERE

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Ernest Obiena new SEA and National Indoor Record behind Piotr Lisek

Feb 5, 2017

Ernest John Obiena has again broken his National Indoor and SEA Record in the Pole Vault with a leap of 5.43m at Potsdam. The 21-year-old who is the SEA Games Silver medalist in Singapore at the 2015 Games. Is aiming for the gold at the 2017 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur. Obiena currently holds the national record at 5.55m.

Reported from H. Hubbeling

-ASIAN AA Statistician-

-Co-editor to IAAF National Records for all countries-

Dear friends,

please find below an article about a new SEA Indoor and PHI Indoor Record

as achieved yesterday in our country.

This for your kind information.

Best regards,

Heinrich Hubbeling

-ASIAN AA Statistician-

POTSDAM (GER, Feb 4): Piotr Lisek cleared as first Polish pole vaulter six meters. It happened at the 18th edition of the pole vault meet in Sterncenter Shopping Center of Potsdam. Lisek won the competition, the result is also new World lead.

He started with 543 and 563 in first, then 573 and 583 in second. First WL and national mark 593 in second and the same with 6 meters in second attempt. He is 10th ever to go over that barrier indoors. Second Croatian Ivan Horvat and third Karsten Dilla 563, fourth Florian Gaul 553 and fifth new national indoor record for Philippines Ernest John Obiena 5.43.

EJ Obiena breaks Pinoyathletics Indoor Record Pole Vault but still chasing Olympic Mark

Feb 21, 2016

After breaking his own national record for the tenth time. And adding nearly a full meter onto his UAAP Record with 5.46m. Hence Obiena after fulfilling his obligation with his school UST. Obiena quickly boarded a plane for his next stint half a world away. It wasn’t all smooth sailing as the airline refused to allow EJ to board his poles. Until about two hours before the flight. Putting him under quite severe stress.

Obiena managed a very credible fourth place at the Asian Indoors in Doha, with a respectable mark of 5.40m. This smashed his 5.15m Pinoyathletics Indoor Record he set last year in Taiwan.

However, he is still yet to achieve the 5.70m Olympic qualifying mark for Rio. wHILE the deadline by the organizers set on July 11, 2016. Furthermore, Obiena told an interviewer earlier he would have liked to have hit the qualification mark this month. Therefore allowing him more time to take a break. And focus on training specifically for the Olympics in August. However, this is no longer possible as the 20-year-old is still chasing the Olympic standard.

With very few meets left the logical choice would be to return to Italy and compete in higher level meets in Europe which would be plenty. Rather than competing in the National Games and National Open which would not provide strong opponents. Also, the attention also turns towards other available meets in South East Asia.

The Winner of the Asian Indoors Huang Boki of China broke the Championship Record with a 5.75m jump. Breaking the previous mark of Daichi Sawano 5.60m (Japan).

SEA Games Bronze Medalist Iskandar Alwi (Malaysia) registered 5.00m and placed 6th.

EJ Obiena does it again 5.45m improves SEA Record

Sep 28, 2015

By Andrew Pirie - Weekly Relays Director /ATFS Statistician

EJ Obiena kept his hunt for the 5.70m Olympic standard in check. While improving his recent National Record from 5.40 to 5.45m. During the weekly relays and having a near miss at 5.50m. Also, EJ Obiena who trained in Italy on two occasions continues to close in on the Olympic standard. While the mark improved on his SEA Record of 5.40m.

Such is the improvement that it’s hard to advise the newspapers how many times he has now improved on the previous 5.00m mark of Ed Laquette.

Hence a new mandate was issued to divide the Pole Vault into 4m and above and 4m and below jumpers starting in the next schedule B.

While so far only Eric Cray has ‘officially’ qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics in all sports. Also, Obiena who is in the high-performance program is aiming to be the next one.

Olympic Hopeful Ernest Obiena smashes SEA Record in Pole Vault

Sept 9, 2015

Filipino Pole Vaulter Ernest John Obiena who till turn 20 in December took the Gold at the Thailand Track and Field Open. Ernest just one of three athletes sent by the PATAFA to compete at the meet at Thammasat University which has long been a regular outing for Philippine Track and Field athletes.

Obiena cleared a height of 5.40m. A big improvement on his 5.30m leap in Busan Korea back in May. The mark is a new South East Asian Record and it was previously 5.30 shared with Pooranot. Obiena got back at his longtime rival Pooranot of Thailand the SEA Games Champion who was second in 5.20m.

At the SEA Games in Singapore Obiena went in with the best PB of 5.30m. But was simply outclassed by Pooranot (who happens to be the same age as EJ). Who leaped a new SEA Games Record of 5.30m. Obiena had to settle for the silver with a 5.25m leap.

Obiena spent two months training at the IAAF High-Performance Centre in Formia, Italy with his father National Coach Emerson Obiena under Vitaliy Petrov the previous coach of former world record holder Sergey Bubkha.

EJ who had a 5.00 to 5.20 improvement last time he was sent proved well worth the investment.

The Olympic standard is 5.70m, EJ will have until July 11, 2016, to make his mark and get sent to Rio. Failing that EJ will still only be 24 when the 2020 Olympics rolls around.

Photo Credits: www.ernestobiena.com

Obiena breaks SEA PV record. ‘Bones-up’ chances for gold at SEA Games

May 25, 2015

Emerson Obiena with Ernest John Obiena Photo Credit: Veloci/Time Stuido & www.ernestobiena.com

Aside from Eric Cray; pinoyathletics.info 2014 Rookie of the year Ernest John Obiena continues to break national records. The men’s Pole Vault which was originally held by Fil-Heritage Edward Lasquette; had been reset by EJ last year with 5.01, 5.05, 5.15, 5.20 and 5.21. 5.21. Thus setting the bar very high in a figurative and literal manner as the National Junior Record.

Breaking the 5.00m barrier was very important to the Obiena Family; Ernest father and coach Emerson Obiena (former National Indoor Holder) made a promise to his coach the late Bill Villanueva that he would produce a 5.00m vaulter. Emerson kept his promise with EJ achieving this a few months before Coach Villauneva passed away.

Still not turning 20 still December, however no longer eligible for Junior Records like Cray and Caleb Stuart, EJ has given the Philippines not just a National Record but a South East Asian Record in this event this year.

EJ earlier performance this year at the Thai Open saw him defeat Sintacheewa and Alwi the SEA Games Gold and Silver medalists of 2013 with a 5.20m effort.

Obiena this year took off where he did last year by breaking not just the National Record but also the SEA Games Records with a 5.25m leap for the silver medal at the Taipei open behind an American on 16.05.15. He raised this mark again to 5.30m at the Busan International Pole Vault meet in Korea the following week. The previous SEA Record is held by 2011 and 2013 SEA Games gold medalist Kreetha Sintacheewa of Thailand at 5.24m. EJ finished fourth in the 2013 SEA Games.

A Tough lead up

He had to endure hardships such as losing his scholarship at Ateneo. As he was unable to catch up with exams due to having been affected by Dengue.

Disappointment continued for EJ as he was unfairly excluded from the Asian Games despite making the qualifying standard. He also missed out on World Juniors. Asian Juniors and World University Games.

Olympic pathway

However, a string of luck happened when he was first given the chance with his coach Emerson to go to Italy to train with Vitaliy the coach of the legendary Sergey Bubka. Former PATAFA President Go Teng Kok had a talk with his old friend Bubka when he visited the Philippines to help set up EJ trip to train in Italy.

EJ also was included in ‘Adopt an Olympian Program’ of CEO Jim Lafferty. And he was recently the recipient of three much need brand new poles for the SEA Games. EJ goes in a firm favorite at SEA Games level but is now looking at the bigger picture the 2016 Rio Olympics. It will take a leap of 5.65m to qualify for this Olympic Games.

Against All Odds EJ Surprises in Singapore

Jul 5, 2013

Left: EJ Obiena (Silver) Medal Singapore Open (Photo Credit: Philippine Pole Vault Club & www.ernestobiena.com

The youngest member of the five-man contingent representing the Philippines at the 75th Singapore Open was also the best performer. 18-year-old Ernest John Obiena obliterated his own National Junior Record improving his previous performance at the Philippine National Games by a staggering 21cm. He established a mark of 4.75m on his second attempt at the height. EJ earnt his first international medal in the senior competition. The bar was then raised to 4.83m which he had three failed attempts..

SEA Games Field Humbled in Singapore

Obiena scalped a quality field of 18 vaulters to gain the silver medal behind Chia Hia Hsieh of Taipei who was the strongest entry in the meet with a PB of 5.32 and took the gold with 5.20. EJ beat every single South East Asian competitor in this event.

SEA Games Decathlon Champion Vu Van Huyen of Vietnam took the bronze with 4.60, Van Hue Nguyen of Vietnam, Edwin Ming Xun Chong of Singapore, Eko Wickasano of Indonesia and Sean Lim of Singapore all have better best jumps than EJ in the last 12 months but had no answer yesterday to the tall skinny teen from the Philippines.

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Defies the Odds

This was the second time EJ has proved he can compete under very tough conditions when in May against very strong headwinds in Korea he was the only South East Asian competitor to clear a height.

Singapore proved to be no different but challenge overcome at least. With the remnants of Indonesians burning forests in Sumatra clogging the usually clean air of Singapore with a PSI rating soaring over 300 it looked as if Singapore Meet Manager James Wong was faced with the difficult decision of canceling the meet despite ninety percent of entries from invited countries having already arrived.

The first day of the meet was canceled along with events over 1500m. However, due to the innovative thinking of James Wong and his Singapore Athletics council, the meet pushed through with a compressed program on the second day.

Despite having no nearby Pole Vault mat to train on leading up to this meet. EJ who is coached by his father Emerson Obiena still did what he could to prepare for this meet. The older Obiena who was a surprise second at the PNG equaled his mark of 4.20m that he had leaped at the PNG.

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A Three-way fight for the second spot to the SEA Games Pole Vault

Only a maximum of two athletes may represent the Philippines at the SEA Games in Myanmar in December

With Philippine National Champion Caleb Monticalvo certain to secure one of those spots once he has finalized his Philippine passport. The Fil Heritage vaulter from San Diego equaled the gold medal performance from the Last SEA Games when he leaped 5.10m at the NCAA Div 2 Finals in Colorado on May 26, then a few days later after a long drawn out flight claimed the Philippine National title with 4.80m at Pasig. Monticalvo has cleared over the standing Philippine National Record of 5.00m of Edward Lasquette 4 times already with 5.10,5.05,5.03 and 5.02.

The second spot is where things get interesting. The SEA Games bronze medal standard is 4.70m and the cut off for qualification is the end of December. However, their are three athletes challenging for the remaining spot.

Another Fil Heritage vaulter Julio Miguel Alorro of New Jersey who has a PB of 4.91 last year and cleared 4.82 in March. However, Alorro sustained an injury and was not 100% for the PNG and was not able to clear a height. Due to the no jump and the injuries Alorro will need to prove his fitness for the SEA Games now he will have another chance when he competes at a Beach Vault meet in August.

EJ Obiena the National Junior Record Holder at 4.75 currently leads the charge for qualification he will compete at Hong Kong to help maximize his chance of qualifying. His training partner former national champion Jerome Margallo will be the third athlete battling for the slot and will compete at Vietnam and Thai Open.

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Philippines Mens All Time List Pole Vault Ran

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Report on the meet and other RP Results coming soon.

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EJ Obiena, Birthday Gift National Junior Record, 2012

It is a special feat in itself breaking a National Junior Record, even more, unique when you break your own National Junior Record but also throw in the fact you have two more years left to improve on it. Two weeks ago EJ Obiena achieved all of that at the Weekly Relays.

Obiena set the National Junior Record now at 4.40m, his mark shattered the 4.31m mark he leaped at the Filipino Chinese Meet in February and hence is a new Junior National Record. This achievement also is very unique has it happened on his 17th Birthday. EJ was born on the 17/11/1995.

EJ who is a freshman at Ateneo has the next goal to go after the UAAP Record which is held by training partner Jerome Margallo at 4.30m set 6 years ago. The 4.40m jump gives EJ confidence going in as the favorite next week.

EJ Obiena (Left) warms up with his Ateneo fellow Vaulters at Uni Games in Bacolod Photo Credit: www.ernestobiena.com

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2012

EJ has had an impressive up and down season. Firstly breaking the Junior Record at the Filipino Chinese meet with a leap of 4.31m, and then at an indoor meet in Taipei leaping 4.41m. A severe stress fracture in the Tibia sidelined EJ in a cast for most of the year forcing him to miss the Palaro and National Open meets. Coming back from injury EJ was able to edge out Palaro Record Holder Adel Valdecenas (DLSU) winning on countback at 4.20 during the weekly relays. It was, however, Adel who would reverse the situation at the Uni Games in Bacolod winning again with 4.20 on countback. EJ claimed the silver here.

In Thailand, EJ claimed silver in the Junior Pole Vault with a leap of 4.25m.

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Progress of EJ Obiena

2010 Palarong Pambansa Silver

2011 4.05m Singapore Schools

2012

4.31m Filipino Chinese Meet (NJR)

4.41m Taipei Indoor (NJR Indoor)

4.20m Silver University Games Bacolod

4.25m Silver Thailand Open Juniors

4.40m Weekly Relays (NJR)

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A Vaulting Family and legacy Event

EJ is the son of the national coach, national champ, and masters record holder Emerson Obiena, the 48-year-old is still an active jumper and this was actually the first season he has been finishing behind EJ. Also, Uncle Edward Obiena is the NCAA Record Holder in Pole Vault with a lifetime best of 4.55m and was a bronze medalist in the Decathlon in the SEA Games. Ironically Edwards best ever Vault was at his final appearance at the SEA Games where he actually surpassed the bronze medalist in the individual pole vault. Also EJ younger sister Emily is showing signs of becoming a great pole vaulter when she leaped 2.80m.

It has been a splendid year for Philippine Pole Vault which continues to outshine other events. With PPVC, Mike Pelaez Athletics, and Fil-Heritage athletes producing some very strong depth in the event. Already Caleb Monticalvo and Julio Alorro have surpassed the SEA Games 4.70m bronze medal performance in 2011, with Caleb likely to eclipse the National Men’s Record of Lasquette. Caleb and Julio ranked 2nd and 3rd in South East Asia this year.

The strong depth in Mens Pole Vault has seen no fewer than 9 Male Vaulters over 4.00m this year.

In the Women’s Riezel Buenaventura has also made the Bronze standard tying the 3.90m at a meet in Taipei. That makes 3 of the 12 athletes who made sea games standards in 2012 Vaulters.

In the Junior Women’s category, Fil-Heritage Alyana Nicholas (3.20) and Natasha Nalus (3.00) two 18-year-olds have surpassed and currently hold the junior records. Now that Alyana has secured Filipino dual citizenship it entitles her to records.
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EJ Obiena soars to new Heights in Hong Kong, 2013

Again a National Junior Record. EJ Obiena on his way to SEA Games selection. Photo Credit: www.ernestobiena.com

18-year-old Ernest John Obiena within a week shattered his own Philippine National Junior Record again. Obiena cleared 4.90m at the Hong Kong Inter-City meet on June 30, eclipsing the 4.75m mark he set last week. This puts EJ in very certain security of the second spot for the SEA Games, with the first going to Fil Heritage vaulter Caleb Monticalvo 5.10m (needs secure Phi Passport). EJ retains his spot #5 all time just tucked in behind another Fil Heritage Vaulter Julio Alorro 4.91m (last year), 4.82m this year.

Obiena won the gold at the Hong Kong Open, while his father and coach Emerson Obiena took silver with 4.20m.

In the Women’s Division, Riezel Buenaventura took the gold with 3.80m but missed the height of 3.92m (3.90m needed to qualify for SEA Games). Emily Obiena finished second with a new best performance of 3.00m, and National Junior Record Holder Natasha Marie Nalus the other Filipina competing fourth in a seasons best 2.90m.